BRC board unchanged as club awaits news on condemned grandstand

Brisbane Racing Club members have re-elected three existing directors, as the club awaits news from the Queensland Racing Review on possible funding for the redevelopment of the soon-to-be-condemned John Power Stand at Eagle Farm.

The outcome of the board elections was announced at the recent annual general meeting, with three existing directors facing two contenders for the three vacant roles.

James Frayne’s initial three-year term on the BRC board was set to expire, but the tech company executive was granted a new term.

Kate Davies and Michael Pearson have been on the board since they were selected by an independent panel in March this year. Their positions were ratified by the members’ vote at the election.

Davies is the chief executive of Netball Queensland, while Pearson has extensive experience in both law and commerce.

The unsuccessful candidates were Cheryl Ah Chee and Michael Rapkins.

“I would like to once again acknowledge and thank those that participated in the board election. The voting process was conducted independently by CorpVote to ensure transparency and integrity,” chairman Richard Morrison said in a message to members.

“We are pleased to confirm that James Frayne, Kate Davies and Michael Pearson have been re-elected to the BRC board of directors, reflecting members’ strong confidence in their leadership and contribution to the continued success of the Club.

“We encourage members to take the opportunity to connect with James, Kate and Michael during the spring pacing carnival.”

Morrison thanked Ah Chee and Rapkins for their nominations.

With the outcome of the Queensland Racing review, undertaken by former Australian Turf Club chairman Matthew McGrath on behalf of Racing Minister Tim Mander, yet to be released, the BRC has not yet had the future of the John Power Stand redevelopment confirmed.

It is hoped that the review will give the green light to fund a replacement for the stand, which is set to be condemned in August 2026.

However, Mander pulled the initial announcement of the McGrath review’s outcome earlier this month at the last moment. It has yet to be rescheduled.

It is believed stakeholders have been briefed on what the review may contain, but those details are yet to be made publicly available.

In its annual report, BRC chief executive Karl deKroo described the progress of discussions with the state government over the John Power Stand as “substantial”.

“This transformative development will redefine the Eagle Farm precinct, delivering modern, inclusive facilities that honour our heritage while embracing the future,” deKroo said.